Sami Zayn Explains Allowing Gunther To Choke Out Cody Rhodes On WWE Smackdown

Sami Zayn did nothing to save Cody Rhodes from Gunther’s attack on last week’s WWE Smackdown, and he says it was to send a message. Last week’s show ended with Gunther delivering a sleeper to Rhodes after delivering a post-main event attack. Zayn lost to to Rhodes in the WWE Smackdown match after Rhodes took advantage of Zayn hitting Gunther and hit a Cross Rhodes for the pinfall. Zayn turned his back on Rhodes and left the ring during the post-match attack.

The two came face to face backstage on Friday night’s episode of WWE Smackdown. Cathy Kelley was interviewing Rhodes when Zayn walked up and asked for an apology for how Rhodes won the match. Rhodes said that they wrestled the match fair and square, but said Zayn just watched after the match. Zayn said he wanted to help, but didn’t because he felt Rhodes needed to learn a lesson.

Rhodes countered that he would teach Zayn a lesson once he was done with Gunther at WWE Clash in Italy. You can see the segment below.

Rhodes will defend his Undisputed WWE Championship against Gunther at WWE Clash In Italy, which takes place on May 31st at Inalpi Arena in Turin, Italy.

Everybody relax! 😅

Things just got HEATED between @SamiZayn and @CodyRhodes… pic.twitter.com/l1381aEn58

— WWE (@WWE) May 30, 2026